Fuel Selector Valve

ABSTRACT

Provided is a fuel selector valve comprising a valve body, a flow selector, an inlet aperture, and a plurality of outlet apertures. A flow selector may be adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member. A rotatable member may comprise an engagement surface comprising adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool. A plurality of outlet apertures may be in selectable fluid communication with the inlet aperture. The selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of the flow selector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a fuel selector valve. More specifically, certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a fuel selector valve comprising adaptations to prevent accidental, malicious, or unauthorized adjustment of the valve. Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a fuel selector valve for use in association with a heat-producing devices adapted to use any of multiple fuels.

BACKGROUND

Valves may be used in a variety of applications, including heaters and other heat-producing devices. In particular, valves may be used in many varieties of heaters and other heat-producing devices which are adapted to utilize pressurized, fluid fuels. Some such devices are adapted to operate with propane, while other devices are adapted to operate with natural gas.

Many heat-producing devices are designed to operate with a single type of pressurized, fluid fuels.

It remains desirable to provide a fuel selector valve to adapt heat-producing devices to utilize any of a variety of pressurized, fluid fuels. It remains desirable to provide a fuel selector valve to adapt heat-producing devices to utilize any of a variety of pressurized, fluid fuels and which are resistant to tampering.

SUMMARY

Provided is a fuel selector valve comprising a valve body, a flow selector, an inlet aperture, and a plurality of outlet apertures. A flow selector may be adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member. A rotatable member may comprise an engagement surface comprising adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool. A plurality of outlet apertures may be in selectable fluid communication with the inlet aperture. The selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of the flow selector.

Further provided is a heater comprising a fuel selector valve and a first burner. A fuel selector valve may comprise a valve body, a flow selector, an inlet aperture, and a plurality of outlet apertures. A flow selector may be adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member. A rotatable member may comprise an engagement surface comprising adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool. A plurality of outlet apertures may be in selectable fluid communication with the inlet aperture. The selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of the flow selector. A first burner may be adapted to combust a first fuel and may be in fluid communication with an outlet aperture.

Further provided is a method for providing fuel to a heater comprising, providing a heater. The heater may comprise a fuel selector valve. The fuel selector valve may comprise a valve body, a flow selector, an inlet aperture, and a plurality of outlet apertures. A flow selector may be adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member. A rotatable member may comprise an engagement surface recessed within said valve body. The engagement surface may comprise adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool and an adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool. The tool may comprise a key, hex key, screwdriver, socket, lever, or wrench. An adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool may comprise a shroud or barrier to restrict or block access to the engagement surface, or a pin reject feature or other tamper-resistant feature. A plurality of outlet apertures may be in selectable fluid communication with the inlet aperture. The selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of the flow selector. The plurality of outlet apertures may comprise a first outlet aperture set, and a second outlet aperture set. The heater may further comprise a first burner adapted to combust propane, the first burner being in fluid communication with the first outlet aperture set, a second burner adapted to combust natural gas, said second burner being in fluid communication with the second outlet aperture set, and an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use either propane or natural gas, the oxygen depletion sensor being in fluid communication with the first outlet aperture set and with the second outlet aperture set. The method may further comprise providing an associated fuel source comprising either a propane source or a natural gas source, and fluidly engaging the associated fuel source with the inlet aperture. The method may further comprise, if the associated fuel source comprises a propane source, adjusting the flow selector with the tool to fluidly connect the inlet aperture with the first outlet aperture set; and if the associated fuel source comprises a natural gas source, then adjusting the flow selector with the tool to fluidly connect the inlet aperture with the second outlet aperture set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fuel selector valve;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fuel selector valve;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a second embodiment of a fuel selector valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3, wherein the showings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments of a fuel conversion system, and not for purposes of limiting the same.

An associated fluid fuel source (not shown) may be anything adapted to supply a fluid fuel. Without limitation, an associated fluid fuel source (not shown) may comprise a fuel bottle (not shown), a fuel tank (not shown), or other fuel source (not shown). Without limitation, an associated fluid fuel source (not shown) may be adapted to provide natural gas, propane, butane, kerosene, white gas, alcohol, propylene, acetylene, MAPP gas, or another fuel.

An associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) may be any type of device adapted to combust fluid fuel. Without limitation, various types of associated fluid fuel combustion devices may include a heater (not shown), a burner (not shown), an oxygen depletion sensor (not shown), or a catalytic surface (not shown). Without limitation, in some embodiments, each type of fluid fuel combustion device has one or more species of device adapted to use a single fuel. That is, for sake of example and without limitation, a single type of fluid combustion device, such as a burner, may comprise multiple species, such as a burner adapted to use natural gas, a burner adapted to use propane, and a burner adapted to use butane.

In certain embodiments, a fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive fuel from one or more of a plurality of associated fluid fuel sources (not shown). In certain embodiments, a fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive fuel from either of a first associated fluid fuel source (not shown) adapted to provide a first fluid fuel, or a second associated fluid fuel source (not shown) adapted to provide a second fluid fuel. In certain embodiments, a fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive fuel from either of a first associated natural gas source (not shown), or a second associated propane source (not shown). In certain embodiments, a fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to selectably supply fuel to either of a first associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to receive a first fluid fuel, or a second associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to receive a second fluid fuel.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, non-limiting embodiments of a fuel selector valve 10 or elements thereof are shown. A fuel selector valve 10 may comprise a valve body 20, a rotatable member 24, a flow selector (not shown), and a plurality of apertures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. A valve body 20 may define an interior region (not shown) separate from the environment 90.

A valve body 20, may comprise a housing 21 and a valve bonnet 22. In certain embodiments the valve bonnet 22 may be engaged to the housing 21 by mechanical fasteners 23. In certain embodiments, without limitation, mechanical fasteners 23 may comprise bolts, screws, nuts, pins, clip, clamps, springs, threaded elements, or a combination thereof.

A rotatable member 24 may be rotatably engaged with a valve body 20. A rotatable member 24 may comprise an engagement surface 26. A flow selector (not shown) may be housed within the interior region (not shown), may be rotatably engaged with the valve body 20, and may be operably connected to the rotatable member 24 to rotate in response to rotation of the rotatable member 24.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of apertures 31, 32, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 may be adapted to permit fluid communication between the interior region (not shown) and the environment 90, an associated fluid fuel source (not shown), or an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown). In certain embodiments, and without limitation, the apertures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 may comprise an inlet aperture 31, 32 and a plurality of outlet apertures 33, 34, 35.

An inlet 31, 32 may be adapted to receive fluid fuel flow from an associated fluid fuel source (not shown). Inlet apertures 31, 32 may be adapted for selectable fluid communication with one or more outlet apertures 33, 34, 35. In operation, an inlet aperture 31, 32 may be fluidly connected to an associated fluid fuel source (not shown).

Outlet apertures 33, 34, 35 may be adapted to receive fluid fuel flow from an associated fluid fuel source (not shown) by way of an inlet aperture 31, 32. In certain embodiments, without limitation, in operation, one or more of the outlet apertures 33, 34, 35 may be in selectable fluid communication with an inlet aperture 31, 32 and one or more of the inlet apertures may be in fluid communication with an associated fluid fuel source (not shown). Without limitation, in operation, an outlet 33, 34, 35 may be adapted to send fluid fuel flow to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown).

Without limitation, an outlet aperture 33, 34, 35 may be fluidly connected to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown). Without limitation, an outlet aperture 33, 34, 35 may be fluidly connected to an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use natural gas (not shown), an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use propane (not shown), an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use either natural gas or propane (not shown), a burner adapted to use natural gas (not shown), a burner adapted to use propane (not shown), or some other species or type of fluid fuel combustion device (not shown).

In certain embodiments, the apertures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 are adapted for selectable fluid communication such that fluid communication between an inlet and outlet is user selectable. In certain embodiments, the rotational position of the flow selector (not shown) selects which, if any, of the outlet apertures 33, 34, 35 are in communication with certain of the inlet apertures 31, 32. In certain embodiments, each inlet aperture 31, 32 may be adapted for selectable fluid communication with one or more of a plurality of outlet apertures 33, 34, 35.

In certain embodiments, a fuel selector valve 10 may comprise multiple sets of apertures. A set of apertures may comprise one or more apertures. The apertures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 may comprise a first set of apertures 36 comprising a first inlet 32 and a first outlet aperture set 38, where the first outlet aperture set 38 comprises outlet aperture 34; and a second set of apertures 37 comprising a second inlet 31 and a second outlet aperture set 39, where the second outlet aperture set 39 comprises outlet apertures 31 and 33.

In certain embodiments, the rotational position of the flow selector (not shown) selects either the first outlet aperture set 38 or the second outlet aperture set 39 to be in communication with an inlet 31, 32. In certain embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 comprises a particular set of outlets for each of the fuels which the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive, and the fuel selector valve 10 further comprises a flow selector (not shown) having a dedicated rotational position corresponding to one particular outlet aperture set 38, 39 for each of the fuels which the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive. In certain embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive either natural gas or propane, comprises two outlet aperture set 38, 39, one outlet aperture set 39 for natural gas, one outlet aperture set 38 for propane, and further comprises a flow selector (not shown) having a first dedicated rotational position corresponding to the outlet aperture set 39 for natural gas to provide fluid communication between an inlet 31, 32 and the outlet aperture set 39 for natural gas, and having second a dedicated rotational position corresponding to the outlet aperture set 38 for propane to provide fluid communication between an inlet 31, 32 and the outlet aperture set 38 for propane.

In certain embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 comprises a particular outlet aperture set 38, 39 for each of the fuels which the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to receive, and each of the outlet aperture sets 38, 39 comprises an outlet for each of one or more associated fluid combustion devices (not shown). In certain embodiments, associated fluid combustion devices (not shown) may comprise a burner (not shown) and an oxygen depletion sensor (not shown).

Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted for use with either of two different fuels, has two outlet aperture sets 38, 39, and is adapted to provide selectable fluid communication between an inlet 31, 32 and either of the two outlet aperture sets 38, 39. Without limitation, the rotational position of the flow selector may determine which of outlet aperture sets 38, 39 is in selectable fluid communication between the inlets 31, 32. The flow selector may have a first rotational position for providing selectable fluid communication between the inlets 31, 32 and outlet 34 and a second rotational position for providing selectable fluid communication between the inlets 31, 32 and outlets 33, 35. The first and second rotational positions of the flow selector may be separated by some angle theta. In certain embodiments, the angle separating the first and second rotational positions of the flow selector may be approximately 90 degrees.

In certain embodiments, all of the outlet apertures that are fluidly engaged with any inlet at any given position of the flow selector (not shown) are adapted to use the same fuel. Without limitation, the flow selector (not shown) may have a first position that establishes fluid connected to outlets 33, 35 and, thereby, to associated fluid combustion devices engageable thereto adapted to use a first fuel, in this example, and without limitation, natural gas. Thus, the flow selector (not shown) has a first position for use when the fluid fuel input to the inlet apertures is natural gas, that will provide fluid communication of the natural gas to associated fluid combustion devices (not shown) adapted to use natural gas. Without limitation, the flow selector may have a second position that establishes fluid connected to outlet 34 and to associated fluid combustion devices engageable thereto adapted to use a second fuel, for example, and without limitation, propane. Accordingly, the flow selector may have a second position for use when the fluid fuel input to the inlet apertures is propane that will provide fluid communication of the propane to associated fluid combustion devices adapted to use propane.

By extension of the above, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 may comprise a set of outlets for each fuel for which it is adapted to use, each set of outlets comprising an outlet for one or more associated fluid combustion device (not shown), and the flow selector may have a dedicated rotational position corresponding to each fuel for which the fuel selector valve 10 is adapted to use.

By further extension of the above, a fuel selector valve 10 may be made to function properly with any number, N, types of associated fluid combustion devices and with any number, M, kinds of fluid fuel. The valve may comprise from 1 to N sets of apertures where each set corresponds to one of the N types of associated fluid combustion device and wherein each set of apertures may comprise M output apertures wherein one output aperture in each set corresponds to one of the M kinds of fluid fuel. Similarly, the valve will comprise a flow selector having M positions, wherein each of the M positions corresponds to one of the M kinds of fuels and to those outlet apertures corresponding to that kind of fuel.

In certain embodiments, in operation, either natural gas or propane is selected for supply to the fuel selector valve 10. Selection of the type of fuel determines to which of the outlets 33, 34, 35 the fuel should be issued.

Selection for natural gas will determine that the flow selector (not shown) be adjusted to provide fluid communication between inlets 31, 32 and outlets 33, 35 adapted for connection to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to use natural gas. That is, if natural gas is to be used, the fuel selector valve 10 should be adjusted to put the flow selector into position to put the outlets 33, 35 adapted for connection to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to use natural gas into fluid communication with the inlets 31, 32 and thereby with the associated natural gas source (not shown).

Selection for propane will determine that the flow selector (not shown) be adjusted to provide fluid communication between inlets 31, 32 and outlet 34 adapted for connection to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to use propane. That is, if propane is to be used, the fuel selector valve 10 should be adjusted to put the flow selector into position to put the outlet 34 adapted for connection to an associated fluid fuel combustion device (not shown) adapted to use propane into fluid communication with the inlets 31, 32 and thereby with the associated propane source (not shown).

In some embodiments, the fuel selector valve 10 will be set to provide fluid communication to some associated equipment requiring a particular fuel, thereby determining what type of fuel should be supplied to the fuel selector valve 10.

In some embodiments, the flow selector (not shown) may adjusted by rotation of rotatable member 24. In some embodiments the rotatable member 24 comprises an engagement surface 26 adapted to facilitate engagement of the rotatable member 24 by a knob, tool, or hand. A rotatable member 24 may comprise a component operably engaged with the rotatable member 24 to rotate said rotatable member 24, such as, without limitation, a valve stem 28. In some embodiments, such as, without limitation, that shown in FIG. 1, an engagement surface 26 may extend from the fuel selector valve 10 or otherwise be substantially exposed so as to be readily engageable by a knob, tool, or hand. In some embodiments, such as, without limitation, that shown in FIG. 2, an engagement surface 26 may be recessed within the fuel selector valve 10 or otherwise substantially shrouded so as to be not readily engageable by a knob, tool, or hand other than one for which it is particularly adapted to engage. In some embodiments, and without limitation, an engagement surface may be shrouded by the valve body 20 or by the valve bonnet 22, or by a shroud 40. In some embodiments, and without limitation, an engagement surface may be recessed within the valve body 20 or within the valve bonnet 22. As shown in FIG. 2, and without limitation, an engagement surface 26 may be both recessed within and shrouded by the valve body 20 or the valve bonnet 22. In some embodiments, the valve bonnet 22 is also shroud 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, and without limitation, an engagement surface 26 may be adapted to readily permit operational engagement with a tool while being adapted to prevent operational engagement or otherwise prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the particular tool. A tool may include, without limitation, a screwdriver, nut driver, lever, key, or wrench comprising an engagement element, such as, without limitation a bit, head, or socket. Without limitation, the engagement element of a tool may comprise a crosshead (also known as Phillips), a standard (also known as a slotted, flat, or straight, a Pozidriv (also known as a SupaDriv, a square (also known as a Robertson), a Hex socket (also known as an Allen), Torx (also known as star), Tri-Wing; Torq-set; Spanner head or (also known as an Snake-eye) Triple square, Polydrive, Spline drive, Double hex, Bristol. Without limitation, the engagement element of a tool may comprise a square socket or a hex socket.

An engagement surface 26 may comprise features to discourage, frustrate, or make difficult or impossible engagement with a tool, wrench, key, lever, or hand other than one for which it is particularly adapted to engage. As noted above, shrouding or covering the engagement surface 26 may discourage, frustrate, or make difficult or impossible engagement with a knob, tool, or hand other than the tool for which the engagement surface 26 is particularly adapted to engage. Without limitation, one way to discourage, frustrate, or make difficult or impossible engagement with a knob, tool, or hand other than the tool for which the engagement surface 26 is particularly adapted to engage is to provide a recessed, deep, labyrinthine, complex, or otherwise preventative access path to the engagement surface 26. As shown in FIG. 2, a engagement feature 26 may be recessed within a shroud 40. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tool for which the engagement surface 26 is particularly adapted to engage must be inserted into a recessed pathway 25 in order to engage engagement surface 26. This recessed pathway 25 may be made substantially longer or more complex insofar as such length or complexity is consistent with good engineering judgment. An example of a substantially more complex recessed pathway is the key-way of a lock (not shown) adapted to accept a key (not shown). Without limitation, another way to discourage, frustrate, or make difficult or impossible engagement with a knob, tool, or hand other than the tool for which covering the engagement surface 26 is particularly adapted to engage is to provide a center pin reject feature, pin reject feature, or other tamper-resistant feature.

While the fuel selector valve 10 has been described above in connection with the certain embodiments, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the fuel selector valve 10 without deviating therefrom. Further, the fuel selector valve 10 may include embodiments disclosed but not described in exacting detail. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the fuel selector valve 10. Therefore, fuel selector valve 10 should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims. 

1. A fuel selector valve, wherein said fuel selector valve comprises, a valve body; a flow selector adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member, said rotatable member comprising an engagement surface comprising adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool; an inlet aperture; and a plurality of outlet apertures in selectable fluid communication with said inlet aperture, wherein said selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of said flow selector.
 2. The fuel selector valve of claim 1, further comprising an adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool
 3. The fuel selector valve of claim 2, wherein said plurality of outlet apertures comprises, a first outlet aperture set, and a second outlet aperture set.
 4. The fuel selector valve of claim 3, wherein said engagement surface is recessed within the valve body.
 5. The fuel selector valve of claim 4, wherein said adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool comprises a shroud or barrier to restrict or block access to the engagement surface.
 6. The fuel selector valve of claim 5, wherein said first outlet aperture set comprises a plurality of outlets.
 7. The fuel selector valve of claim 6, wherein said second outlet aperture set comprises a plurality of outlets.
 8. The fuel selector valve of claim 7, wherein said tool comprises a key, hex key, screwdriver, socket, lever, or wrench.
 9. The fuel selector valve of claim 8, wherein said engagement surface comprises a pin reject feature or other tamper-resistant feature.
 10. A heater comprising, a fuel selector valve, wherein said fuel selector valve comprises, a valve body a flow selector adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member, said rotatable member comprising, an engagement surface comprising adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool; an inlet aperture; a plurality of outlet apertures in selectable fluid communication with said inlet aperture, wherein said selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of said flow selector a first burner adapted to combust a first fuel, said first burner being in fluid communication with an outlet aperture.
 11. The heater of claim 10, further comprising an adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool.
 12. The fuel selector valve of claim 11, wherein said plurality of outlet apertures comprises, a first outlet aperture set, and a second outlet aperture set.
 13. The fuel selector valve of claim 12, wherein said engagement surface is recessed within the valve body.
 14. The fuel selector valve of claim 13, wherein said adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool comprises a shroud or barrier to restrict or block access to the engagement surface.
 15. The fuel selector valve of claim 14, wherein said tool comprises a key, hex key, screwdriver, socket, lever, or wrench.
 16. The fuel selector valve of claim 15, wherein said first burner is adapted to combust propane and said first burner is in fluid communication with said first outlet aperture set.
 17. The fuel selector valve of claim 16, further comprising a second burner adapted to combust natural gas and said second burner is in fluid communication with said second outlet aperture set.
 18. The fuel selector valve of claim 17, further comprising an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use either propane or natural gas, said oxygen depletion sensor being in fluid communication with said first outlet aperture set and with said second outlet aperture set.
 19. The fuel selector valve of claim 18, wherein said engagement surface comprises a pin reject feature or other tamper-resistant feature.
 20. A method for providing fuel to a heater, comprising providing a heater comprising, a fuel selector valve, wherein said fuel selector valve comprises, a valve body a flow selector adjustable by rotation of a rotatable member, said rotatable member comprising, an engagement surface recessed within said valve body, said engagement surface, said engagement surface comprising, adaptations to permit operational engagement with a tool, wherein said tool comprises a key, hex key, screwdriver, socket, lever, or wrench, and an adaptation to prevent adjustment of the flow selector by means other than the tool, wherein said adaptation to prevent adjustment of flow comprises,  a shroud or barrier to restrict or block access to the engagement surface, or  a pin reject feature or other tamper-resistant feature; an inlet aperture; a plurality of outlet apertures in selectable fluid communication with said inlet aperture, wherein said selectable fluid communication may be adjusted by adjustment of said flow selector, wherein said plurality of outlet apertures comprises, a first outlet aperture set, and a second outlet aperture set; and a first burner adapted to combust propane in fluid communication with said first outlet aperture set; a second burner adapted to combust natural gas in fluid communication with said second outlet aperture set; and an oxygen depletion sensor adapted to use either propane or natural gas, said oxygen depletion sensor being in fluid communication with said first outlet aperture set and with said second outlet aperture set; and providing an associated fuel source comprising either a propane source or a natural gas source; fluidly engaging said associated fuel source with said inlet aperture; if said associated fuel source comprises a propane source, then adjusting said flow selector with the tool to fluidly connect the inlet aperture with said first set of outlet apertures; and if said associated fuel source comprises a natural gas source, then adjusting said flow selector with the tool to fluidly connect the inlet aperture with said second set of outlet apertures. 